Sandra M. Cowan – Physiotherapist | St. Catharines, ON

Sandra M. Cowan is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Linda Martin Physiotherapy in St. Catharines, ON, Sandra Cowan is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Sandra Cowan addresses a wide range of muscle, joint, bone, tendon, and ligament conditions. This includes everything from acute injuries like sprains and strains, to chronic pain management, arthritis care, and comprehensive post-operative rehabilitation. Sandra Cowan serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Sandra M. Cowan completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Mohawk College (Graduating Class of 1988). With extensive clinical experience, Sandra Cowan is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Sandra Cowan has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Sandra Cowan empowers patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results; promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the St. Catharines community through proactive physiotherapy. Sandra Cowan offers consultations in English.

Sandra M. Cowan provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Hand Wrist

• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): Helping to alleviate the symptoms of a catching, locking, or painful finger/thumb through targeted physiotherapy interventions, potentially avoiding the need for injections or surgery in some cases.
• Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Specialized physiotherapy for conditions affecting the intricate structures of the hand and wrist, such as fractures (e.g., Colles', scaphoid), tendon lacerations or ruptures (e.g., flexor/extensor tendon repairs), ligament sprains/tears (e.g., skier's thumb, TFCC injuries), repetitive strain injuries, or arthritis (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis). Includes both conservative management and post-operative rehabilitation.

Common Musculoskeletal

• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Discomfort, limited range of motion, and persistent tension in the cervical spine (neck), often related to posture, an injury, stress, or sleeping position.
• Musculoskeletal Injuries (General - Tendinitis, Bursitis, Capsulitis, Sprains, Strains): Common injuries related to physical activity, sports participation, accidental falls, or overuse from daily or work-related tasks.
• Hip Pain (e.g., Bursitis, Muscle Strains, Labral Issues - conservative): Hip problems that interfere with your mobility, sleep, and daily comfort, which can be effectively managed with physiotherapy interventions.

Back Neck Pain

• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): Neck, shoulder, and upper back discomfort, often accompanied by headaches or 'brain fog', after a sudden jerking motion of the head, such as in a rear-end collision.
• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Often age-related changes leading to pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots, causing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs with walking (neurogenic claudication in lumbar stenosis) or in the arms/hands (cervical stenosis).

This list offers examples of conditions commonly addressed. Diagnosis for physiotherapist is based on individual assessment, so if your specific concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic. Sandra Cowan can assess your needs.

• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Targeted therapy to alleviate symptoms such as shooting pain, pins and needles, or weakness arising from neural tension or entrapment.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: A thorough evaluation by your Physiotherapist to accurately diagnose movement dysfunctions, injuries, and the underlying sources of your pain.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Application of skilled soft tissue techniques to manage pain, stiffness, and improve function in muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Active patient participation through guided, gentle muscle contractions to restore normal joint play, reduce muscle guarding, and improve tissue length.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Skilled hands-on techniques, including gentle joint mobilizations (smooth, rhythmic movements) and, where appropriate and authorized, joint manipulations (quick, precise thrusts) to restore optimal movement, reduce pain, and improve joint function.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): Identifying inefficient or compensatory movement patterns that could be contributing to your pain or hindering your physical performance.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Sandra Cowan, or to discuss your specific needs, please contact the clinic.

All services are provided in accordance with the scope of practice for Physiotherapists in ON and the standards set by The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario.

At Linda Martin Physiotherapy, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Sandra Cowan frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Sandra Cowan believes that everyone deserves to move well and feel their best. If my baby/child having trouble with their motor skills, like delayed rolling, sitting or walking is hindering your ability to handling their job that involves frequent standing, walking, or bending, a personalized plan focusing on a deeper understanding of their condition and how to manage it proactively for long-term well-being can make all the difference.
• Many individuals seek help from Sandra Cowan, their physiotherapist, when trying to get back to my best after a frustrating sports injury starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve enjoying cycling or swimming regularly without pain or limitation, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like maintaining an upright posture while working on their computer for hours.
• Sandra Cowan frequently assists patients in overcoming the effects of wrist pain and tingling, possibly from carpal tunnel syndrome, especially at night. A carefully designed physiotherapy program, potentially including specialized manual techniques and progressive exercises, targets feeling significantly stronger and more capable in their physical abilities and supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like attending concerts or theatre shows and sitting comfortably throughout.
• For those whose needing help to get moving again after a long period of illness or inactivity has made taking group exercise classes at the community center seem like a distant memory, Sandra Cowan's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward feeling more like their 'old self' before their injury or condition began. Effective, evidence-based treatments can be instrumental in helping you get back to taking group exercise classes at the community center with greater comfort and renewed confidence.

Your personalized physiotherapy plan, developed with Sandra Cowan, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives.

Sandra Cowan practices at Linda Martin Physiotherapy, situated in the Lakeport, Lakeshore neighborhood of St. Catharines. The clinic is conveniently located near Niagara Health - St. Catharines Site and is accessible via Niagara Region Transit (NRT). Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Physiotherapist in ON?

In Ontario, you can typically see a Physiotherapist directly without a doctor's referral. This is known as direct access. However, while a referral isn't legally required to see a Physiotherapist, some private and extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement. It is strongly recommended that you check with your insurance provider to understand their specific requirements before your first appointment.

What is physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Physiotherapy, delivered by a qualified Physiotherapist, is a science-based profession that focuses on restoring movement and function when someone is affected by injury, illness, or disability. It can also help to reduce your risk of future problems. Your physiotherapist will use techniques such as therapeutic exercise, manual therapy (hands-on treatment), education, and advice, empowering you to manage your health independently and achieve your physical goals.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

Your first physiotherapy appointment, which includes a detailed assessment and the development of your initial treatment plan, usually takes about 60 minutes. Follow-up appointments are typically scheduled for 30 to 45 minutes. The exact duration of each session will depend on the nature of your treatment and what your Physiotherapist has planned for that specific visit to best help you progress.

Is physiotherapy covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

The Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) generally does NOT cover physiotherapy services provided in private outpatient clinics. Publicly funded physiotherapy is available in specific situations, such as post-hospitalization for certain conditions, for children/youth, seniors, or through Community Physiotherapy Clinics/Family Health Teams. However, eligibility criteria are strict, and waitlists may exist. It is strongly recommended that you check your private insurance coverage as many plans offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics.

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Definitely. A key aspect of physiotherapy is not just treating current problems but also preventing future ones. A Physiotherapist can assess your movement, identify potential weaknesses or imbalances that could lead to injury, and provide you with a personalized program of exercises and strategies. This proactive approach is beneficial for athletes, individuals with physically demanding jobs, or anyone looking to maintain long-term musculoskeletal health and avoid recurring pain.

What is Linda Martin Physiotherapy's appointment cancellation policy?

We understand that schedules can change unexpectedly. To ensure we can accommodate all our patients efficiently, we kindly request at least 24 hours' notice for any appointment cancellations or rescheduling. This allows us to offer the time slot to other patients who may be waiting for care. A fee may be charged for late cancellations (less than 24 hours' notice) or missed appointments without sufficient notice. Please contact our clinic as soon as possible if you need to make any changes to your appointment.

Linda Martin Physiotherapy
12 Grote St.
St. Catharines, ON, L2N 2E7

Phone: (905) 937-4575

Sandra M. Cowan is regulated by the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 and Physiotherapy Act, 1991 in ON and is a registered member of The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario.

Registration Number: XXX86

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=89ff2f5a-8a02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

Always consult with your primary healthcare provider before starting any new treatment program.